Matrix cleaner



R. F. REED.

MATRIX CLEANER. APPLICATION FILED OCT. 7. 1919.

1 A25, 1 32, Patented Aug. 8, 1922.

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ATTORNEYS ltl ' nrrnn stares RJUSQELL E. REED, @E SAN FJRANGI$GQ canrnomrre.

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Application filed @ctober 7,

type machines, it is considered imperative that the exposed faces of the matrices are maintained in a clean condition so that the operator can readily observe the character thereupon. It is common practice to clean a complete font of matrices every few days and this operation usually requires from two to three hours.

It is the principal object of the present invention to provide a simple and effective means by which the matrices may be individually cleaned and burnished during use without requiring any special attention or cleaning operation.

The present invention contemplates the use of a cleaning and burnishing member of plastic material mounted upon the duplex rail of an assembly elevator and disposed in the path of travel of the outer faces of the matrices, thus insuring that each matrix will be burnished and cleaned as it is mov to its proper position in the line.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which-- Fig. 1 is a ing the invention as the lending member.

Fig. 2 is a view i perspective, showing the invention and particularly illustrating the formation of the frame.

Fig. 3 is a view in perspective, matrix.

4 is view in vertical section and elevation, showing the operation of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a view in elevation, showing the position of the present invention upon the duplex rail of an. assembly elevator.

rig. 6 is a view in perspective, illustrating the frame.

In the drawings,

view in perspective, illustratshowing a it) indicates a matrix c eaner which embodies the subject matter o' the present invention and which is mounted upon-the duplex rail 11 of an assembly elevator 12. This elevator is under.

specification of Letters lratent.

particularly disclosing p Patented Aug. 8, il%2.

leis. serial lilo. cancer.

stood to be a part of the assembling mechanism of a linot pe machine.

As clearly s own in Fig. 5, the present invention is mounted upon the upper face of the rail 11 and near the long finger 12. In Fig. 4 it will be seen that a set screw 13 is mounted in the front vertical face of the rail 11 and is adapted to enter a slot 1% formed in a lower extension portion of a cleaner frame 15. This frame has a vertical portion lying parallel to rail 15 and side, fingers 16 and 17 which act as parallel guides for a block of cleaning and butting material 18. The side fingers 16 and 1 7 are formed with guide ribs 19 which enter longitudinal end slots in the butting block 18 and revent vertical displacement of this block. The bufiing block is substantially rectangular in shape and is preferably formed 01-1. rubber, one of the ingredients of which is sand or other gritty material. It has been found in practice that the ordinary ink eraser rubber is most admirably adapted for this purpose.

In vertical section the block is substantially rectangular, having a downwardly projecting lip 20 extending between the back face of the rail 11 and a row of matrices 21, which move along the rail 11 and beneath an em scale 22. The butting block 18 is horizontally adjustable and may be moved outwardly into the path of travel of the matrices by means of adjusting'screws 23 which extend through threaded'openings in the longitudinal back plate of the frame 15. 'lhese screws bear against a pressure late 24 which rests against the heel:

block and is formed with of the buffing ribs 19 of the grooves through which the frame may extend.

'In operation of the present invention the device is applied as particularly shown. in Figs. 4 and 5, after which the hur ling bloclr may be adjusted by the screws 23 and these in turn set by lock nuts 26. As the as bling mechanism operates, the matrices il be delivered at the right=hand thereof and moved along the assembly rail the direction of arr w 0;, as indicated in rig. o.

During this movement the -lace 2? matrices will be brought into frictional en gagement with the fiat vertical face of .s butting block, which. will remove the gr therefrom and burnish the surface so t inscription thereon may be easily it will evident that due to the peculiar 0 IftCQ 3 lfQtiOl.

movement will insure that the face 27 will be cleaned and burnished.

It will thus be seen that the present invention provides very simple means whereby the matrices of a linotype machine may be automatically cleaned as used, thus eliminating a considerable waste of time in cleaning the font of type at given intervals. It will further be observed that due to the peculiar, resilient, gritty and non-absorbent character of the buffing member, the surfaces of the matrix rubbed thereover will be thoroughly cleaned and buffed without damaging the matrix by the use of cleaning fluids or without interfering with the operation of the mechanism, including the swinging of the gate. 7

While I have shown the preferred form of my invention, various changes in the construction and arrangement of the several parts herein shown and described may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention as ,disclosed in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what 1 claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent isl. A" matrix cleaner comprising a frame having a back plate and parallel side fingers, guide ribs formed along said fingers, a buding block of plastic material adapted to engage said guide ribs and to be seatedbetween the frame fingers, a pressure plate disposed at the rear of said block, and adjusting mem bers carried by the frame and actin against the pressure plate to adjust the bu er block in relation to the frame.

2. In combination with the assembling mechanism of a linotype machine, a matrix cleaner consisting of a frame secured to the assembly rail, and having bufiing block composed of elastic gritty material fitted and guided in said frame, a pressure plate at the rear of the block, and means to adjust the block within the frame.

3, A matrix cleaner and burnisher comprising a U-shaped frame member adapted to be secured to a linotype machine, a buflin block of plastic and gritty material slidably mounted in said frame and means for adjusting the buffing bloc-k in relation to the frame.

4. A matrix cleaner and burnisher .comprising a U-shaped frame member adapted to be secured to a linotype machine, a pressure plate slidably mounted in said frame, a i

buffing block of plastic and gritty material also slidably mounted in the said frame and means for applying pressure to the pressure block so as to adjust the same and the buffing block in relation to the frame.

In testimony whereof l have hereunto set my hand in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

RUSSELL l3. REED. Witnesses ANDREW Y. Noon, A... L. CLAIBORNE. 

